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56 Must-Read Disney Dining Secrets from Disney Food Blog

Disney may be the Happiest Place on Earth, but nothing can wreck the happy faster than poor planning.

This is especially true when it comes to one of the most important parts of your trip — eating!

After decades of Disney dining, we’ve perfected some expert tips and advice to get the most out of your Disney World visit.

Today, we’re sharing our 56 Must-Read Disney Dining Secrets to ensure that you have the magical visit of your dreams!

Top Disney Dining Secrets

Let’s get started!

1. Make dining reservations. Even if you don’t follow any other piece of advice, we can’t say this emphatically enough. To fully appreciate the truly entertaining and delicious array of Disney Dining offerings, you must make Advance Dining Reservations. If you wait until you arrive at Disney to make table service arrangements, you may miss out on many of your top picks because they will be booked.

Book Dinner at Be Our Guest Restaurant 180 Days in Advance to Guarantee a Table

2. BYOP (Bring Your Own Pepsi). Yep. Those of you who are die-hard Pepsi drinkers will be sad to note that any and all Disney establishments will not carry Pepsi products. It’s a Coke-only zone here! So either bring your own Pepsi, or plan to take a trip to a nearby gas station, convenience store, grocery store, or drug store to pick up your stash. You can also order it and have it delivered directly to your hotel from Garden Grocer.

5. Don’t pay for food you don’t want. One of my favorite Disney Dining tips is to be a squeaky wheel when you need to be. Disney is very good at customizing meals, and at counter-service restaurants, your customized meal might even save you some money! For example, if you’d rather have just the sandwich with no sides, the price will likely be lower. So if you’d rather not have the extra food that comes with the entree, let them know and expect a lower price.

Want your burger sans fries? Ask for it solo and you may save some dough!

6. Get free ice water during those hot summer months. And any other time as well! Most Disney counter-service restaurants will give you a free glass of ice water when asked. This can come in handy when you don’t want to spend extra money on a drink with your meal, or when you’re dying of thirst on those hot Disney days!

7. Research your dining options. There is a dizzying array of dining options at Disney — everything from ultra upscale haute cuisine, to restaurants offering incredible themed experiences. Take your time and research your options — Disney Food Blog has dedicated Disney World restaurant information pages for every single restaurant and kiosk in Disney World that includes menu details, our reviews, and more. While you’re planning, take into consideration park hours for the days of your visit as well. Using the Disney Dining Restaurant Search Tool is a great way to ensure that your pick meets all of your needs.

Research to find out about great experiences like the Victoria and Albert’s Chef’s Table

8. Consider the pace of service when you’re making dining decisions. Some Disney signature restaurants (the most expensive spots on property) can have a relaxed pace of service, like Citrico’s or Artist Point. This may be great for a date night, but not so wonderful if you have tired children or are trying to keep a tight schedule. Take into consideration the pace of service when you book, and consult Disney Food Blog’s Disney restaurant reviews for details on what to expect.

9. Save on dining costs by eating a big, late breakfast. If you’re looking to stretch your dollars, one of our favorite suggestions is to eat a big breakfast at one of the many table service restaurants offering a morning meal. Generally, breakfast is less expensive than other meals, and by starting your day off with a full stomach a little later, you may eliminate the need for lunch altogether. Another relaxed alternative is combining breakfast and lunch, and choosing a brunch option.

Tonga Toast with Bacon from Kona Cafe Will Keep You Going

10. Embrace snacks, even as alternatives to meals. There are some seriously substantial snacks to be found all over Disney! Many, like school bread in Epcot’s Kringla Bakeri Og Cafe, can take the place of a meal altogether. In this way you accomplish two goals — you get to try snacks and save money!

School Bread as a Meal? Yes Please!

11. Eat during off hours. Not a big fan of crowds, or looking to get into a booked up restaurant? Consider eating during off hours. Booking a very early or late meal, or taking in a counter service spot between traditional meal times can greatly reduce your wait, and you might even get to try a few restaurants that you thought you’d have to skip.

12. Hit up resorts for meals. While it’s a lot of fun to eat in the parks, consider booking meals at nearby resorts. Spots like Kona Cafe at the Polynesian or The Wave at the Contemporary are a convenient monorail ride away from Magic Kingdom, and can even offer a respite from the heat and crowds.

Sticky Wings from Kona Cafe Make for a Delicious and Relaxing Lunch

13. Research the Disney Dining Plan to see if it meets your needs. There are deeply divided opinions regarding the value offered by Disney Dining Plans. Our suggestion? Research it. If you always like to eat the most expensive foods, it may just save you money. Or the convenience of having much of your food paid for ahead of time may be more valuable to you than savings. For more advice, check out advice on pros and cons of the Disney Dining Plan.

14. Book a character meal. If amassing character photos and autographs is a priority for your family, then be sure to book a character dining experience. You have to eat anyway, so again, this is a meal that does double duty. And instead of you waiting in long lines, the characters come to you. And don’t skip this option if you’re kid-free — lots of adults-only parties have an awesome time at character meals!

16. Visit at slower times of the year to avoid crowds. While slow times at Disney are becoming more rare, there are still a few times during the year that you can go when the crowds are lower. Booking your visit in September, early January, early February, or May can lead to shorter lines and more dining options available.

There’s nothing better than an un-crowded restaurant in Disney World!

17. Consider purchasing a Tables in Wonderland card. If you’re a Florida resident or a Disney Passholder, be sure to check out the Tables in Wonderland discount card. Good at many locations throughout Disney, the card offers a savings of 20% on meals, and includes alcoholic beverages.

18. Make plans to visit the Epcot Food and Wine Festival least once. What began as an event to draw crowds during a slow part of the year has turned into a premiere culinary event with demonstrations, special dining opportunities, and fantastic marketplace booths. Anyone who loves to eat should plan to visit the Food and Wine Festival at least once! And to help with planning your Food and Wine Festival trip, pre-order this year’s DFB Guide to the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, and get the last year’s version for free!

“Taste Epcot” at the Food and Wine Festival

19. If dealing with a food sensitivity or special diets, have it noted on the reservation and then mention again at the podium. Disney is one of the most accommodating resorts that we’ve experienced when it comes to special needs diets. If you have any food sensitivity ranging from allergies to intolerances and beyond, let them know. Note it at the time of the reservation if you book by telephone, and mention it again at the time you check in. The restaurant’s chef will see to it that you are in good hands. For even more information on dining with special diet needs, see our Disney Dining resource page.

20. Get a little something for free. Believe it or not, you CAN get something for nothing in Disney World! Disney candy shops and other stores sometimes offer free samples of their wares — from caramel corn to caramel apples to fudge, cotton candy, and more! A couple of our favorite spots to scope out for samples are The Confectionery on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom and Big Top Treats in New Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom. And Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop in Disney Springs hands out complimentary chocolate squares.

23. Be prepared for cost. Here’s a newsflash: Disney is not cheap. But that’s okay, because it’s a vacation, and you’re getting a lot more for your money than just food. Take into consideration the service, as well as the atmosphere, grounds, and theming, and expect that you will pay more for a meal here. Understanding this ahead of time could alleviate some sticker shock when the check comes.

Menu at Tiffins — a Signature Restaurant

Menu at Tiffins — a Signature Restaurant

24. Try underrated restaurants. There are many, many restaurants at Disney. Sure, getting into the super popular ones, like Magic Kingdom’s Be Our Guest Restaurant, might be difficult. Don’t be afraid to try a few spots you’ve never heard of. Some of our favorite meals have been at spots that tend to fly under the radar, like Boatwright’s at Port Orleans (check out our dinner review here), or Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Naan Bread Service with Dipping Sauces at Sanaa

25. Nosh at a lounge or bar in place of a sit down dinner. I love meeting friends for drinks and bites at many of the lounges, bars, and pubs located throughout Disney. They offer some delicious eats, and great alternatives to busy table service or counter service restaurants. If you find yourself hungry and you don’t have a reservation, check out the bar menus at spots like the Territory Lounge at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Or stop in Epcot’s Rose and Crown Pub for a bite. You won’t leave hungry, I guarantee.

Cheesy Barbecue Brisket with house made chips at Geyser Point Bar & Grill

26. Fill up at a buffet. Buffets represent some of the best value at Disney, because they are always all-you-care to eat. They’re also a fantastic option for groups whose members have wide variations in taste, or for picky eaters. For these reasons, a breakfast or dinner buffet can be a wise choice if you’re looking to maximize your budget, or you appreciate meals that offer a wide variety of foods. In addition to buffets, there are other family style restaurants, like ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort and dinner at the Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom which also offer an all-you-care-to-eat format. This is also a great option for family with growing, ravenous teenagers!

27. Take home snacks like fudge as souvenirs and gifts. Take home Disney food for extra special souvenirs. Whether you want to take a little pixie dust home for yourself, or bring a little something home in your suitcase to someone you love, Disney Authentic Parks snacks or Mickey-shaped treats like pre-wrapped Mickey Krispy Treats will keep the magic going for just a little while longer.

Mickey Rice Krispy Treats at The Confectionary

28. Eat off property to save money. When you’re in Disney World, you’re a captive audience…and food prices are going to be higher than they are in the surrounding areas. As a result, a great way to save some cash on dining when you’re in the World is to get “out of the World” for a while! Head over to a chain restaurant nearby to spend significantly less on your meal, or head to a grocery store to pick up grab and go eats.

29. Time your reservation in Magic Kingdom for afternoon parade time viewing. Book your lunch reservation at Tony’s Town Square at Magic Kingdom at just the right time (and request patio seating), and you can take in the afternoon parade from the comfort of an air-conditioned table, rather than a hotter-than-hot street curb.

30. Book a meal during Happily Ever After or Illuminations for a great view of fireworks. Likewise, booking your dining reservation to coincide with fireworks displays at Magic Kingdom or Epcot can make for an extra special evening. For the best viewing of Magic Kingdom’s Happily Ever After, check out restaurants at hotels bordering Seven Seas Lagoon. One of our favorite spots for delicious dining and beautiful views in a laid back atmosphere is Narcoossee’s at the Grand Floridian, or the more high profile California Grill at the Contemporary Resort. For viewing Illuminations at Epcot, our favorite spot is the front patio at the Rose and Crown.

Fireworks and castle from Narcoossees

31. Don’t forget about other restaurants on Disney property. There is a tendency to overlook restaurants on Disney property that aren’t in Disney hotels or theme parks. Some of the best meals that we’ve had have been at the restaurants of the Swan & Dolphin Resorts, such as Todd English’s bluezoo and Shula’s Steakhouse. Likewise, the Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Bonnet Creek offer fantastic options, like Bull and Bear Steakhouse and La Luce, and reservations are often easier to get than they are at Disney restaurants. You might even find that these spots offer slightly less expensive dining than Disney-owned spots. The popular Earl of Sandwich in Disney Springs is a great example.

32. When in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask. If you have any questions about the food or the menu at a restaurant, don’t be afraid to ask your server about it. Disney restaurants offer great flexibility for the most part when it comes to making substitutions or accommodating dietary needs.

Disney chefs are more than willing to discuss special dietary needs with you one on one

33. Gluten free and vegan celebrations are possible, thanks to Erin Mckenna’s Bakery NYC. Gone are the days when requiring a gluten free diet means that you can’t have your cake and eat it, too. With advanced notice, Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC can deliver a celebration cake to any Disney restaurant for your special occasion. Call the Disney Cake Line at (407) 827-2253 to learn more.

34. Consider booking a dinner that combines food and entertainment. There are plenty of options available at Disney if you favor a “dinner with a show” approach. The Spirit of Aloha at Disney’s Polynesian and the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Ft. Wilderness are well known options.

Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue!

35. Bring water if you don’t like Florida tap water. Many visitors to Florida share something in common — a dislike for the tap water. If this is an issue for your family, you might want to bring bottles of water with you. Whether you ship them ahead, or have them delivered to your door from a delivery service like Garden Grocer, you will have the water you prefer, and will save money over buying it in the resorts or parks.

37. Have a couple healthier-for-you options in your back pocket. Even though you’re doing a ton of walking during a Disney vacation, those Mickey ice cream bars can add up, and so can the pounds. Be sure to have a couple of tips for healthy eating in Disney World if this is something that’s important to you or family members.

Harambe Fruit Market in Animal Kingdom Offers Better-For-You Fare

38. Skip dessert. Table service, that is. Adding dessert for two to your table service bill can easily bump up the cost quite a bit (like, up to $20+!). If you’d like a little something sweet but are looking to save money, consider skipping dessert at the restaurant and grabbing a treat at a specialty store or kiosk. From custom made ice cream cookie sandwiches to chocolate-covered treats, there are all sorts of sweet endings outside of the restaurant — and the walk might do you some good, too. 😉

Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich for Dessert!

39. Get the most out of your Disney Dining Plan. If you’ve chosen to purchase a Disney Dining Plan, your planning isn’t over yet! Every year we scope out the best ways to get the biggest bang for your buck with your Disney Dining Plan credits. Check out our Disney Dining Plan Tips section here!

40. Scope out great restaurants for vegetarian options ahead of time. Whether you are a vegetarian or you just like to work in the occasional meatless meal, it’s good to have an idea about good restaurants for vegetarian options. Granted, just about every Disney restaurant will offer something those favoring a plant-based diet can eat — but some are way better than others.

Roasted Market Vegetable Curry at Tiffins

41. Order necessities from Garden Grocer and have them delivered to your hotel. If you’d like to save some money or eat some meals in your room or villa, you no longer have to worry about driving or taking a cab off property. Now, you can order packaged items, fresh fruit and veggies, drinks, and any other grocery item directly from GardenGrocer.com and have it delivered right to your hotel room! This is a great option especially if you have special dietary needs in the family.

42. If this is your first Disney trip, don’t underestimate the magic of your dining experience. Even though you may have visions of Space Mountain and character autographs for your first visit to Disney World, first time visitors shouldn’t overlook the importance of planning meals wisely. With incredible themeing and unique dishes, Disney dining has the potential to be every bit as memorable as the rides and attractions that you encounter. Check out our suggestions for Best Disney Restaurants for First Time Visitors!

Don’t forget to ask for a TV table on your visit to 50s Prime Time Cafe! And keep your elbows off the table…

43. Decide ahead of time if refillable mugs are a good bargain for you. Are you an ardent soda, tea, or coffee drinker? Then you’ll definitely want to do the math to decide if refillable souvenir mugs are a bargain for you. The mugs, which are for sale in resort counter service locations and gift shops, come with a steep price tag if purchased separate from a Disney Dining Plan. Be sure that your number of refills and beverage preference make this a good deal — unless you’re just happy to go home with a super cute mug.

45. Know where to go if you run out of baby food. If you’re visiting with an infant and you run out of baby food at Disney, have no fear. There are many options, both inside the parks and out, that ensure you’ll have as many strained peas and peaches as you need to keep your little cherub happy as a clam.

Magic Kingdom Baby Care Center

46. Can you have fun in a Disney restaurant that doesn’t feature characters? You bet. Think that the only restaurants where you find entertainment are spots with characters or dinner shows? Think again! There are several options throughout the resort that offer amazing entertainment without characters. For a buffet that can’t be beat, head to Biergarten in Epcot’s Germany Pavilion for fun live music and dancing.

Playing the Alpenhorn at Biergarten

Or for upscale pub food and incredible dancing, check out Raglan Road at Disney Springs. This authentic Irish Pub offers traditional Irish music and dancing nightly while you dine — and during weekend brunch as well.

47. When all else fails, order in. If you’re tired of having to hunt and gather your food, then have your food come to you with Disney pizza delivery. All resorts, even the values, have fresh, made-to-order pies available at the touch of a button, which can be a welcome option after a long day of park hopping.

49. Have picky eaters? Many of us visit the parks with folks who’d rather eat chicken nuggets for every meal than try something new…and that’s OK! Disney is a safe haven for those with specific likes and dislikes. Check out menus before you make your dining reservations and plans to be sure there’s something that everyone can eat. Remember that it doesn’t matter if the approved food is an appetizer, side dish, or kids’ menu item — it can be served in adult entree size for an added cost. Here are a few more tricks and tips for Disney dining with picky eaters.

Adult Portion of Chicken Nuggets and Mashed Potatoes at 50’s Prime Time Cafe

50. Do date night in Disney. Think that you must have kids to be allowed to do Disney? Wrong! Disney World isn’t the #1 Honeymoon destination in the world for nothing! This place can be very romantic…on any budget. Plan ahead to treat your favorite person to a signature dinner at a fancy restaurant, have a romantic picnic on the beach in the moonlight, take a fireworks cruise complete with snacks, or share ice cream and a ride on the carousel!

51. Keep an eye open for special, limited time only eats. From time to time, you’ll find specialty eats and treats that are only available for a limited time, celebrating anything from the current season or holiday to the latest Disney film production. These will usually be advertised via a placard at counter service restaurants, or on the menus at table-service restaurants, like the red velvet pancakes at Kona Cafe on Valentine’s Day!

Red Velvet Pancakes with cream cheese icing drizzled with syrup

52. Take advantage of dining and merchandise discounts. At many times of the year, dining at Disney’s counter-service restaurants outside of popular dining hours will merit you a discount coupon for a variety of merchandise locations. For example, eat at Pecos Bill’s in the late afternoon and your receipt might include a coupon for a discount on Disney merchandise at the Emporium on Main Street and several other locations. It’s another great reason to avoid the Disney restaurant crowds and dine at off-times. There are several other dining discounts that are available to you as well. Check out our Disney Dining Discounts page for details.

53. Consider visiting during a “free dining” season. Disney World’s “free dining” promotion offers guests the chance to book a Disney Vacation Package with a free Disney Dining Plan during certain times of the year. While saving money with the Disney Dining Plan alone can be difficult, our calculations show that taking advantage of the free dining promotion can save you some dough in certain circumstances. Free dining is most often offered during early Fall months.

54. Include your companions in the dining planning. Traveling to Disney with picky eaters, disinterested teenagers, first timers, a stressed out spouse? The best way to ensure that everyone has a great time at the World is to make them all feel invested in the trip planning. And who doesn’t want to give their opinion on food? Share menus, reviews, and restaurant options with the family or your other traveling companions and get their feedback and favorites. This is an especially great idea for budding chefs!

56. Plan a magical picnic. There’s nothing more fun than discovering a secret hideaway on Disney property where you can avoid the crowds and relax for a bit. Some of our favorites include the Disney resort hotel beaches — especially when everyone else is at the parks! Instead of fighting the masses of Disney guests for a table in a restaurant, pack some sandwiches and create your own oasis in the Happiest Place on Earth for lunch or dinner. We highly recommend the beaches at Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, or Fort Wilderness. Lounge by the lake, enjoy your goodies, and take a moment to refresh before heading back to the parks. For a particularly romantic occasion, bring a bottle of wine and some grapes and cheese to the Polynesian Resort beach around sunset and stay for an incredible view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks!

Have a Picnic at the Polynesian Resort!

Want More Great Disney World Dining Tips?

Above, we’ve listed just a few of our top suggestions for having a fantastic Walt Disney World dining experience from start to finish. With a little planning and flexibility, your trip can be just as awesome as you’ve dreamed it would be.

Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun!

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With more than 750 pages, the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs!

With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2019to save 25% today!

Comments

You mention that eating at Tony’s town square at the right time will allow you to watch an afternoon parade, but does it also allow viewing Of the night time Main Street electrical parade? I have reservations there at the same time the night parade is going and I wondered if we might be able to see it for there.

Thank you so much for all your suggestions! We just got back from Disney and we were able to try things we had never thought of trying before! EPCOT food is amazing! We did the Candlelight Processional Lunch and show at The Rose and Crown and I have never had a better meal! We each got an appetizer, entree, and dessert plus drink. We had a cheese tray, potato leek soup, and scotch egg. So good! My son got the fish and chips, hubby got shepherds pie and I got the corned beef on toast! Out of this world! Then I got Jaffa tart, hubby sticky pudding, and son banana cake. Seriously!!! So so good! Then for dinner we tried some smaller bites such as School Bread, Roll Horn, pretzel from Germany, and Kaki Gori with sweet milk my favorite by far! This was all because you suggested these treats! Thank you Thank you! Our trip was 100 times better because of this amazing food!

Thank you giving me all of these great tips! I have been to Disney World with my family over 10 times and I check your website now for any new tips and news that you may have. Without you, I would not know all of the great dining secrets of Walt Disney World! 🙂

When I was much younger we made several trips a year to Disneyland in LA. There was a place where you went through A line
with a tray and they served you what you picked out. It was a Spanish place that had the very best beef enchiladas with a very mild sauce. Can’t take spicy food…acid reflux. But was wondering if they still serve this dish or a receipe available? Now I’m in the Midwest so don’t get to go anymore.

I can’t agree enough with the suggestion to make reservations prior to arriving and doing it at the 180 day mark! There are many restaurants where you just won’t get a table unless you’ve made an ADR. And if you can’t get one you want, keep trying! Be Our Guest fills up quickly, but with some perseverance, one can be had! It took me three months of trying when we went last year, but I finally got one. Plans change and people cancel, so don’t give up.

Have to disagree with the suggestion to visit during the Food & Wine Festival at Epcot, though. We made the mistake of being there for that last year (because we wanted to see Magic Kingdom for Halloween). It’s a mistake I will NEVER make again! It’s nice if you don’t have children, but if you do, avoid it! The park was filled with drunks wearing T-shirts that said things like “Drinking Around the World,” “Bibbity Bobbity Booze,” “Beauty and the Booze,” and other alcohol-centric Disney themes. It certainly wasn’t very family friendly! We had to leave Via Napoli because we couldn’t even hear the person who sat us at our table. The place was filled with drunk people yelling. And it’s pretty bad when your 10 year old sees a drunk spilling his drink all over himself while he’s walking and asks, “Why are they still selling him alcohol?” I’m not against alcohol, but this was beyond anything acceptable, especially with young children. I just kept hoping none of them would be getting in a car and driving!!